Vibrant Victoria
This Australian state and its capital city offer plenty of gastronomical getaways and wildlife- rich islands, and more.
VICTORIA never ceases to amaze visitors with its panoramic vistas and amazing adventures. From mind- bending aquatic thrills to mouth- watering food, here are the top 10 iconic experiences of this compact Australian state.
1. Dine at the best restaurants
Visit Attica and delve into Ben Shewry’s delicious menu. There’s destination dining in every nook, from Estelle Bar and Kitchen to Donovan’s for water views. In the CBD, the original MoVida in graffiti- covered Hosier Lane serves knockout tapas. Nearby, George Colombaris’s Press Room produces a clever Greek menu.
2. Drink at rooftop bars
Melbourne invented the rooftop bar scene. Join the legendary Emerson Sunday sessions in South Yarra, hunt creative cocktails at its Brunswick Street neighbour, Black Pearl, or sip wines at Bellota in South Melbourne and the CBD’s Cumulus Up in Flinders Lane.
3. Explore laneways and architecture
Check out the city’s beautiful arcades, one- off boutiques, eclectic laneways and graffiti art. Visit the Melbourne Museum and World Heritage- listed Royal Exhibition Building. Admire Victorian landmarks such as St Patrick’s Cathedral, St Paul’s Cathedral and Flinders Street Station; and discover Art Deco at the beautiful Manchester Unity Building.
4. Shop local at amazing markets
Pick some fresh produce or fashion at the Queen Victoria Market in the city centre. Take the tram to the South Melbourne Market and enjoy dim sum under its historic awnings. For vintage bargains, catch an early train to the Sunday Camberwell Market.
5. Drive along the Great Ocean Road
This dramatic region – home to the renowned Bells Beach and the Twelve Apostles – also offers fishing villages, migrating whales, golden beaches and national parks. Foodies can also try The 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail. Other foodie highlights include the Otway Harvest Trail.
6. Penguin encounters on Phillip Island
You can enjoy a day trip to the island, just 90 minutes from Melbourne, to see Australian wildlife amidst spectacular landscapes. The Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island Heritage Farm and Nobbies Centre are just a few unique attractions.
7. Enjoy the good life on Mornington Peninsula
In this food lover’s region, you can buy organic vegetables from roadside stalls or pick your own berries and cherries from orchards. Wander amongst olive groves with ocean views or picnic in one of the many public and private gardens. Relax in a day spa or play a round of golf to end your day.
8. Feast in the Yarra Valley
The region is renowned for producing Australia’s finest pinot noir and sparkling wine, along with a range of other cool- climate wines. Other gastronomical specialities include freshwater salmon, trout, caviar and handmade cheeses.
9. Laze on the neverending beach
Ninety Mile Beach is one of the longest uninterrupted beaches and also one of the most natural and unspoilt stretches in the world. It’s ideal for activities from beach fish- ing and swimming to walking, whale- and dolphin- spotting or just lazing in the sun.
10. Houseboating along the Murray River
Kids and captains alike will love discovering the Murray, which winds between New South Wales and Victoria, then through South Australia to the ocean. Indulge in the restaurants, wineries and golf courses. Or embrace one of the Murray’s many natural adventures such as canoeing or water- skiing.
Sourced from tourism Australia. Malaysia Airlines has twice daily/ 14 weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne. For bookings, go to www.malaysiaairlines.com.